The Team
THE TEAM
Meet The Team
Our experienced veterinarians, Cherie and Dione, along with their amazing support staff are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care at Spring Vets Papamoa. With years of experience and a deep love for animals, we are committed to treating each pet with the utmost compassion and expertise. Our friendly and approachable team is here to answer your questions and ensure your pet receives the best possible care.
Meet Dr Cherie Mcleod | Vet & Owner
Hi, I’m Cherie McLeod, a veterinarian with a passion for cats, a love for dogs, and a deep commitment to helping people provide the very best care for their pets at every stage of life. After more than 20 years in veterinary practice, I’m thrilled to be opening Spring Vets alongside my friend and colleague, Dione Bryers — a clinic where we can pursue the highest standards of care for our patients and their people.
I grew up on a dairy farm in the Waikato, surrounded by cats, dogs, horses, the occasional sheep and pig, and, of course, cows. I studied veterinary science in Palmerston North and began my career in dairy practice in Te Awamutu. A move to the UK soon led me to discover my love for small animal work. Over five years abroad, I worked in a wide range of clinics as a locum, while also travelling to some incredible places.
After returning to New Zealand, I spent a brief time in New Plymouth before moving home to Hamilton to start a family with my husband, Alex. In 2017, we relocated to the beautiful Papamoa Beach, and I’ve since deepened my knowledge in small animal medicine, completing a Master of Veterinary Medicine in 2022.
Cats hold a special place in my heart, and I have a strong interest in Feline Medicine and Cat Friendly Practice. I’m currently preparing for my membership examinations with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Surgeons in Feline Medicine, which I’ll sit this year. I’m also passionate about progressive, fear-free practice for both cats and dogs, and implementing environmentally friendly systems within our clinic.
Outside the clinic, I love walking or running along Papamoa Beach with my dog, exploring the Papamoa Hills, and spending time mountain biking or boating with my family.
Meet Dr Dione Bryers | Vet & Owner
Hi, I’m Dione Bryers, and I’d like to welcome you to Spring Vets. I’ve lived and worked as a small animal vet in Tauranga for over 20 years. In that time, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many wonderful clients and their furry companions.
I grew up on a small farm in Whanganui, surrounded by a variety of animals—cats, dogs, mice, birds, calves, goats, and even a horse. From a young age, I had a deep love and respect for animals, which naturally led me into veterinary medicine.
After studying at Massey University, I began my career as a mixed animal vet in Levin in 1999. In 2002, I spent two years in the UK, combining travel with further experience in small animal practice. I returned to New Zealand in 2004 and settled in Tauranga with my husband, where I’ve continued to grow my skills through both hands-on experience and post-graduate study.
In 2025, Cherie and I founded Spring Vets Papamoa after discovering a shared philosophy around veterinary care—one that puts people, pets, and personalised service first. Our goal was to build a locally owned and operated clinic that offers great value, high-quality care, and a space where pets and their families feel welcome and respected.
I have a special interest in soft tissue surgery, eyes, and skin. I recently completed my post-graduate Certificate of Proficiency in Ophthalmology and am currently studying toward my UK Certificate in Dermatology.
Outside the clinic, I love spending time in the outdoors—walking around the Mount, exploring local bush tracks, and enjoying beach days with my family. Tauranga is a place I feel lucky to call home.
If we haven’t yet met, I’d love the chance to welcome you and your furry family to Spring Vets Papamoa. And to those I’ve had the pleasure of working with already—I look forward to seeing you again soon.
Haidee | Head Nurse
Meet Haidee – Head Vet Nurse
Hi, I’m Haidee. I’ve been a veterinary nurse for six years, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the Spring Vets Papamoa team as Head Nurse. Caring for animals has always been a true passion of mine, and I’m dedicated to making every pet feel safe, comfortable, and well loved when they visit us.
You will mostly find me behind the scenes looking after the pets in our care, but I love to pop my head out to greet our clients in the waiting room! I have a particular interest in surgical nursing and really enjoy assisting our talented vets in surgery.
Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my husband and our two cats, Gus and Maggie. I’m a bit of a homebody, so I love curling up with a good book and a cup of coffee, or getting creative with cross stitching and painting.
I’m really looking forward to meeting you and your furry family members!
Bex | Vet Nurse
Meet Bex – Vet Nurse
Hi, I’m Bex. I have always had a keen interest in animals and their well being, I think it’s something you are born with. Being surrounded by animals is definitely my happy place.
I began my Vet nursing career 20 plus years ago, here in Tauranga. From here I moved to Auckland and then on to Melbourne, where I spent 10 years working in emergency and critical care at the University of Melbourne, returning to the Bay in 2018 to raise our family.
My husband and I have 2 beautiful girls, who both share the love for animals. Currently we have 7 chickens, 2 cats (Finley and Shelby), and our beautiful rescue pup named Maple. They all fill our life with love, entertainment and happiness.
In my pastime you will find my family and I enjoying the great outdoors; camping, bushwalking, beaching, and skiing at the lake. My camera is never far from my side, as I’m also a keen photographer.
Jahdiel | Vet Nurse
Meet Jahdiel – Vet Nurse
Hi, I’m Jahdiel. I’m one of the veterinary nurses here at Spring Vets, and you’ll find me both at reception and working behind the scenes in the treatment area. I love being able to support our clients at the front desk while also caring for your pets out the back (it means I get the best of both worlds!).
I have a big love for animals and feel so lucky to work with them everyday. Whether I am helping a nervous patient feel safe or chatting with you about your pet’s care, I always aim to make every visit a positive and reassuring experience.
Outside of the clinic, I enjoy spending time with my husband and family, and relaxing at home with my two gorgeous cats, Bubba and Poppet, who definitely keep life entertaining!
I can’t wait to welcome you and your four-legged friends into the clinic!
Lilley | Vet Nurse
Nicky | Vet Nurse
Meet Nicky – Vet Nurse
Hi, I’m Nicky. I grew up in Gisborne and always had lots of pets as a child. Between the dogs, cats and everything in between, we made plenty of trips to the vet clinic — and it was those visits that first inspired me to become a veterinary nurse.
I’ve now been veterinary nursing and living in Tauranga for over 20 years, and I still love being part of the clinic environment. These days you’ll often find me helping out on the odd Saturday morning — it’s a great way to keep my hand in and stay connected with our lovely clients and their pets.
Alongside nursing, I also run my own dog grooming business, which keeps me busy and lets me spend even more time working with animals. At home, I have a very special elderly gentleman cat, Zed, and a younger cat, Biscuit, both of whom definitely rule the house!
When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family and enjoying the relaxed Papamoa beach lifestyle.
Maple | ESP
Meet Maple – ESP (Emotional Support Pup).
Hi, I’m Maple! I’m a rescue pup who found my forever home in the loving hands of vet nurse Bex. These days I’m a confident, tail-wagging professional with a very enthusiastic wiggly bottom.
I love people and other animals, and I believe every clinic visit should come with a friendly face and a happy tail.
One of my most important jobs is helping nervous pets feel calm when they visit the clinic. Whether it’s offering a gentle sniff, sitting nearby with my best “you’ve got this” expression, or simply radiating positive energy, I take my support role very seriously.
When I’m not supervising the team at Spring Vets, I’m busy running my own foster program at home. Mum (Bex) brings home the strays, and I take care of the rest – ducklings, chickens, lambs… I’ve even generously agreed to mentor the neighbour’s tortoise..
I’m Maple – part rescue, part therapist, part superviser- and 100% good girl.